We received the results of her bloodwork last night, showing that she was suffering from acute septicemia that was not previously apparent as well as some preexisting liver damage had not yet created symptoms. With these complications amidst everything else, she passed away in her sleep overnight.

We did absolutely everything our team and veterinarians could do to save her. From the swift reaction to her injuries to providing all of the veterinary care needed (regardless of the expense) – it just wasn’t enough.

Timber was a treasured member of our sanctuary family and her loss hits all of us very hard. We truly appreciate everyone’s support that helped us to do absolutely everything we could do. 

One of the hardest things about running a sanctuary is outliving the animals we rescue. Even after 22 years, losing one of the animals never gets easier, they are all members of the family.

Thank you again for being a member of the Forest Animal Rescue family.

She was anesthetized for a thorough examination of her progress toward healing and to see if we can figure out why she refuses to eat. (her previous update is here)

She is healing from the original surgery and there are no signs of infection, but we are not sure if it is possible to repair some of the remaining damage. Her esophagus and Trachea are intact, and the muscles are stitched back together to the best of anyone’s ability.

Unfortunately, we discovered that her hyoid bone is broken, which is the anchoring structure for her tongue and helps with swallowing as well as the function of her larynx. There are also nerves in the injured area that are responsible for her ability to swallow. We don’t know if those nerves were damaged as well. These are issues we cannot repair.

Fortunately, she is still drinking from her automatic waterer (although not from a bowl). She may regain proper function on her own and start eating for us, but the clock is ticking. Unfortunately, there is no way to force the issue without anesthesia since she is a wild animal and not handleable.

Meanwhile, we are continuing with her meds and offering her all of her favorite things to eat, in every form from bits of various types of meat, to a ‘smoothie’, to broth. We will have the results of her bloodwork back in a few days to make sure there are no other challenges we need to address.

We will continue to do our best to support her through this struggle. Thank you to everyone who has donated toward her care and for all of your kind words of support.

This poor girl is clearly still in pain, but she is getting her medications on schedule and we are hopeful that things will continue to improve as planned.

She is scheduled for another veterinary exam on Thursday – we will keep you posted.

We are building an expansion to the wolf habitat to allow Timber and Yukon to each have a large space of their own. They will share a wall so they can be close toto one another if they wish. Since they obviously disagree about who is in charge, they won’t live in the same habitat as we had hoped.

After weeks of living next to one another and showing signs of wanting to be together, we cautiously introduced them. It went well on the first day. However, on the second day, things took a rapid turn for the worse.

THEY SUDDENLY FOUGHT. Yukon bit Timber on the throat and severed her windpipe and neck muscles. 

We needed to act immediately to try and save her life and we did! Now we owe $3,500 for her vet bills.

We have started an online fundraising campaign to help offset the expense. Will you help? Even if you can’t donate, you can share this fundraiser online to help us spread the word.

VIEW TIMBER’S FUNDRAISER HERE

After the facility in California, where this wolf was living, closed amidst financial difficulties, they surrendered their licenses to the State of California.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife chose to send Yukon to Forest Animal Rescue in Florida for lifetime care at a TRUE sanctuary.

Yukon arrived, tired from the long ride in the transport rig, but excited to see his new home. He has already been playing in his pool and taking in all the new sights and smells.

Timber, our resident wolf, was timid and hiding when he first arrived but is now begging us to open the door and let her meet her new friend! They will need to wait until Yukon has finished his quarantine period and we have an expanded neutral space built to safely introduce them.

Stay tuned as we monitor him while he settles into his new forever home…and meets Timber in the weeks to come!

Meanwhile, any donations made to our general fund between now and December 31, 2019 will be MATCHED up to $30,000. Will you give a gift to help Yukon and his friends?

This poor wolf was living at a facility in California that closed, surrendering its permits to the State of California, amid financial struggles. This left almost 500 animals seeking shelter. After thorough examination, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife chose to place Yukon at our sanctuary.

Yukon’s 2,500 mile road trip is underway – he will be arriving this week and have the opportunity to enjoy life at a true sanctuary for Christmas!

If you would like to donate to help care for Yukon and his friends, a generous donor has agreed to MATCH all donations to our general fund through December 31, 2019!

Thank you for your friendship and support! We will keep you posted on Yukon’s arrival and more as he settles in.

For the first time sine 1918, a solar eclipse will shadow the United States

Eclipse, one of Forest Animal Rescue’s rescued wolf hybrids is convinced that this day is named after HIM!

This eclipse is special – it is a coast-to-coast solar eclipse, nicknamed the “Great American Eclipse” and will be the first of its kind seen in 99 years.

Now is your chance, if you miss this one, the next total solar eclipse in North American will be on April 8, 2024 and there will be fewer states in the path of totality.

Enjoy this amazing sight, but be safe – remember to avoid looking directly at the sun or you may damage your eyesight.

How can you see it safely? Use Eclipse glasses – if they are sold out in your area (as they have been in our area for weeks), you can try welding goggles – here is a link with more information